Consulting Biologist - Wetland/Water Specialist

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST) is a dynamic medium size-consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada. We are seeking a full-time Consulting Biologist - Wetland/water Specialist in our Texas office. WEST provides mentorship and growth opportunities, and a team of technical and non-technical staff supports all WEST biologists.

WEST has a permanent core of professionals with broad experience in applied ecological studies, the sophisticated analysis of natural resource data, and impact assessment and permitting. Since its founding in 1990, the WEST team has shaped our work through our core values and key principles that our work matters to our clients, communities, and the environment. Join WEST and discover a company of passionate, committed, and highly motivated individuals.

Please click here to see what benefits WEST offers!

The minimum base salary for thisposition is $72,000 and the maximum is $85,000, plus additional annual profit-sharing bonus potential. Salary may vary based on education, knowledge, and experience.

Job Summary:

The job mainly entails wetland/water delineations and permitting, and leading project teams in planning and execution of project work. Ideal candidates will have demonstrable experience and expertise in wetland delineations in Texas in various wetland types, e.g. playa lakes, riparian wetlands, freshwater marshes, saline and brackish marshes and deepwater swamps. Knowledge and experience working in the US Army Corps of Engineers Galveston, Fort Worth, and Tulsa Districts and through the Section 404 permit process, specifically Nationwide Permits, is of particular interest. Fieldwork, including travel and overnight stays will be regular, but office work will also form part of the mix. Additional roles may include general environmental planning and consulting, overseeing seasonal staff in support of biological surveys, and collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams of biologists, resource specialists, and other technical and non-technical staff to fulfill scopes of work.

Responsibilities include:

• Plan and lead wetland/water delineation project work;
• Comfortable working in remote and rugged locations, where access requires hiking or 4wd/ATV proficiency;
• Communicate with clients and agencies to evaluate and lead Section 404/401 permits
• Manage and support tasks related to natural resource field studies (e.g., wildlife inventory, habitat mapping, etc.);
• Write technical reports that meet client and regional agency standards;
• Communication with Project managers and field biologists to execute project work;
• Perform quality checks to ensure WEST standards and client requirements are met;
• Support day-to-day administration and sometimes management of projects; and
• Market WEST's capabilities, prepare scopes of work, budget estimates, and respond to proposal requests.

This is a general description of the functions for this position and is not inclusive of the duties which may be associated with this position.

Requirements:

• Minimum of a bachelor's degree in environmental planning, biological sciences, natural resources, ecology or equivalent;
• Ability to perform wetland/water delineation and support Section 404/401 permitting;
• Strong botany skills, with rare plant experience a plus;
• General knowledge of threatened and endangered species assessments, specifically to support wetland/water permit requirements;
• Experience in environmental consulting or project/task management specifically associated with wetland/water work;
• Experience in budgeting and proposal writing;
• Emphasis on health and safety;
• Strong, competent written and spoken communication skills;
• Understanding of the energy development process and market (renewable energy and linear project experience preferred);
• Good time management, ability to be adaptable, and ability to meet deliverable targets and deadlines;
• Ability to follow instructions from managers and accept guidance and constructive criticism;
• Ability to amicably lead individuals and teams;
• Work from the WEST Stafford Office in Texas; and
• Be able to travel up to 50-75% of the year.

After an offer of employment is made, the candidate must successfully pass a pre-employment background check, drug screening, and a DMV records check that meets WEST's minimum criteria to operate a motor vehicle on behalf of the company. A valid driver's license will be required.

WEST provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of their race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, genetics, and any protected veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Further, WEST takes affirmative action to ensure that all individuals are treated fairly, and without discrimination, for recruitment, selection, advancement and every other term and privilege associated with employment.